A well-known staple in Bridgeport is asking for the community's help to raise money so they can continue entertaining audiences.

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is celebrating 50 years in business.

However, this anniversary is bittersweet, as staff say they need help raising $25,000 to keep the theatre running.

"A lot of people are not aware of is, but the Downtown Cabaret Theatre is a producing theater. That means we build the sets, we build the costumes, we hire the directors, the designers, we rehearse the shows, we cast the shows and all of that costs a lot of money," said Hugh Hallinan, the theatre's executive director.

The theatre will be matching all donations as they hope to reach their goal of $50,000.